Musharraf was not permitted to meet his team of lawyers. PHOTO: REUTERS
The interim government refused to take any action against former president Pervez Musharraf, stating that it is not part of their mandate to do so, Express News reported on Monday.
Our mandate states that our first and foremost duty is to carry free and fair elections and provide security to the candidates, the interim government stated in its reply to the court regarding Musharraf's treason case.
“Now we know ministry of law and interior ministry does not want to do anything regarding the case,” the court remarked when representative of interim government explained its mandate.
The court asked Musharraf’s lawyer’s to meet their client and present his stance in the next hearing.
Earlier, in response to the court’s request for an opinion, the caretaker government said that it will abstain from giving any independent statement concerning Musharraf’s ongoing trial under Article 6 of the Constitution.
The interim government had decided to seek the court’s advice regarding any cooperation in the case, instead of taking a different stance.
The hearing for the treason case against Musharraf was adjourned till April 23.
Lawyers refused entry
Earlier during the day, Musharraf’s team of lawyers was refused entrance into his farmhouse which was declared a sub-jail.
Musharraf’s advocate, Ahmed Raza Kasuri addressed the media after the refusal.
“If we don’t speak to our client then how will we fight the case?” he questioned. "It is like going into a war without weapons."
“Maybe our client has reservations against this three bench court. Earlier, we had asked for a full bench court minus the CJP [Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry],” he further said in reference to the proceedings of the case. “We appreciate that the CJP stepped down graciously from the bench.”
Kasuri also expressed his apprehensions regarding Musharraf being tortured.
“We demand his [musharraf’s] thorough medical examination from the CMH [Combined Military Hospital],” he said.
“We were issued orders, by the court, to meet him and we reached the farm house on time but were not allowed by the superintendant posted at the main gate,” he said.
Meanwhile, a petitioner has challenged the notification declaring Musharraf’s farm house as sub-jail. He has requested to move the former president to Adiala jail.
According to the petitioner, the farm house cannot be considered a sub-jail.
COMMENTS (44)
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Even though I want that Musharraf should be tried but I think that this a correct stance by the caretaker government. Caretaker government should not do anything that can have a negative impact on the elections.
Thanks to the interim government to show some sensibility in the needlessly charged atmosphere arising out of misplaced judicial activism.
When every low ranking politician can go abroad for medical check-ups, why not Musharraf also go for his medical check up in Dubai? He should go; everyone should facilitate, and this would be the best for Pakistan and also Musharraf.
Government's respond expose iimpartiality ,the matter as being raised with care taker has no resamblance with mandate. on the other hand inserting section 7 in the case which made the case non bailabale set no remarkable tradition in the law history. As for as Pandora Box is concerned ,it shouldn't be opened it goes not in favour of state stability.and security.
Who syas, United States is not dependable friend, vide the instance case.
No confrontation ,only solution can save Pakistan at this stage . A deliberate denial to contest election by Musarraf is not the solution , A conditional candidature to Musarraf could gave been the best option for the juditiary . Now they seems to be in confrontation mode . Interim govt.has smelled the coffee well.
Defendent's advocates are batting well .
Roll of army is to ensure the degnity of its ex Gen . needs no clarification . .
@Ishtiaq Bercha: Istiaq by asking That question you have comitted contempt of court as well as high treason
@Imran: People who are so vocal about Musharraf getting preferential treatment are the ones who are themselves getting preferential treatment. Thousands of police personals deputed to protect two brothers, is common men of Pakistan is protected in a same way?? Kadim e Alla spend five years on CM house on stay order, is that not preferential treatment?? no implementation done on Asghar Khan case is that not preferential treatment??
Interim Government has foiled the atttempt of Judiciary to join in the vendetta. PPP during its tenure had made an effort not to register cases on political grounds. Alas, judiciary did not allow this healthy trend to continue
love you musharraf - stay brave
Agreed, caretakter should only focus on elections and security for common man (not politicians).Although I am his supporter, I don't think he did anything wrong. He is straight forward general. If you really want to persecute someone, it should Sharifs, Zardaris, Bhuttos, Wali's and all the rest.
Musharaf Zinda Baad
I feel Musharraf case has become a bone of contention between the interested parties viz Judiciary, Military and some political parties. Dont forget that the present CJ had taken oath under the PCO, and from none other than Musharraf. Nawaz who is acting as a champion of justice seems to forget when he and his party members stormed the SC. People, lets not be short-sighted. What goes round , comes around.
Absolutely the right decision by the interim government, not to become a pawn in the judiciary's vendetta against someone who did so much good for Pakistan.
be informed that at the moment question is not whether Musharaf is being tortured or detained along with his family, rather this time is being opportunied in a clever way that elections to be done without Musharaf. I know he is not afraid and unlike others partries who shake hand for the sake of their personal interests, musharaf did not do so. And I bet if there are free and fair elections and enough enlightment, there is no parallel for him in the current scenerio. Rest choice goes with you....
The Caretaker Government has taken the correct stand. They have been put in the saddle for the limited purpose of holding the election in a non-partisan manner.
Let an elected Government take over in May. And let this Government take a view take a view about trying not only Gen Musharraf, but also the cheerleaders for treason committed in October, 1998. That will also test the resolve of the Judiciary.
Jiya MUSHARRAF
Musharraf will emerge as a winner from the plan plotted by the CJ and company - Inshallah.
Court is freeing self confessed terrorist for lack of witnesses. Same court want to prosecute the person who is biggest enemy of enemies of Pakistan.
Inshallah Musharraf will emerge out of this crisis as strong as a rock. Malicious wishes of opponents will fail.
Absolutely right decision by the interim government.It is time to discourage the efforts of Triple One Brigade in legal fraternity that are aimed at compelling the Judiciary for actions above the law and constitution.
Nothing is going to happen against Pervaiz Musharraf , Time is not so far , where All our institution will soon welcome him back with clean & clear status. All is nothing but an scripted drama!
@Ishtiaq Bercha:: ask this in june / july
"Kasuri also expressed his apprehensions regarding Musharraf being tortured." That is legal point scoring if not nonsense. Musharraf has the backing of the Army which is ensuring that he gets the best treatment possible while under "arrest." The game is to wait out the legal results. If Musharraf is declared "innocent" he is "exonerated." Else, he would be whisked away abroad.
This seems law of jungle, which favors only Sharifs and Irslan Iftikhar.
So what...What goes around, comes around...he got the senior judges detained in their houses along with their families....I wish math should be equal and he should be detained along with all his family members to make him realise what unlawful detention actually means...on the contrary that is another thing that he is not in any sort of detention...it's just a bluff....
dont worry too much. He is a commando and is not scared of anyone (his own words)
Torture is certainly out of the equation in his case. The man should be handled with respect.
What goes round, comes round.
Sir, My pray is also with you.
Where is Irsalan Iftikhar nowadays？？？
This country will never learn.
CJ please continue your Dictorship and bend laws the way you want to.....
A lot of things are happening behind the scene and if the deal is through, Musharraf may not require services of his lawyers.
Nobody in his right mind would touch an X army chief. The Police know that. Just relax pls and wait for the elections. The diet may not be as good as in Canada/USA
By doing so police officials are playing havoc with and playing with fire.........
Beside many blunders Musharraf has made, one of the biggest blunder is the appointment of Ahmed Reza Qasuri who is already not favoured in the courts.
@Saquib: He doesn't need your prayers. Army is already behind him and he has all the luxruies in his farm house.
and we still want to make pakistan equal for all, when we are granting this man with all he want, despite commiting crimes in his uniform.
There are procedures to meet the prisoners in jail and there can not be a free passage.
Although i am a DIE HARD supporter of Musharraf i know police cant touch him !
Once again 3rd Nov,2007's conditions and bases are being created........
Sir,
My pray is with you.